American Helicopter Museum & Education Center
Learn about helicopter aviation and get an up-close look at these machines. On some days, you can even ride in one. 1220 American Blvd., West Chester, (610) 436-9600, helicoptermuseum.org.
Anthony Wayne House
Revolutionary War Gen. Anthony Wayne’s homestead is now a registered National Historic Landmark. Open select days spring-fall. 2049 Waynesborough Road, Paoli, (610) 647-1779, historicwaynesborough.org.
Antique Ice Tool Museum
Explore the history of the ice industry through tools, vehicles and other artifacts.Tours by appointment only. 825 Sconnelltown Road, West Chester, (610) 738-7081, antiqueicetoolmuseum.org.
Brinton 1704 House
Built by Pennsylvania Quakers, the Brinton 1704 House is one of the oldest restored homes in the country. Open for tours May–October. 21 Oakland Road, West Chester, (484) 624-9235, brintonfamily.org.
Caleb Pusey House
This English vernacular house dating to 1683 was restored in the 1960s. Original proprietor Caleb Pusey created nearby Chester Mills with William Penn. Tours by appointment only on Saturdays May–October. 15 Race St., Upland, (610) 874-5665, calebpuseyhouse.com.
Chadds Ford Historical Society
Explore life in Chadds Ford in the 18th century and beyond. The society offers a lecture series, a themed escape room and events. 1736 Creek Road, Chadds Ford, (610) 388-7376, chaddsfordhistory.org.
Chester County History Center
Guests can explore Chester County’s rich history via exhibits, garments, flags and more. 225 N. High St., West Chester, (610) 692-4800, mycchc.org.
Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation
Tucked away in Ridley Creek State Park, this 112-acre plantation offers a glimpse of life in the late 1700s, complete with period attire and demonstrations. Open late March through late November. 3900 N. Sandy Flash Drive, Newtown Square, (610) 566-1725, colonialplantation.org.
Delaware County Institute of Science
Explore the natural world through fossils, shells, animal specimens and more. October–May, the institute also offers a free lecture series. 11 Veterans Square, Media, (610) 566-5126, delcoscience.org.
Finley House
In the former home of Capt. John Pugh, who fought in the Revolutionary War, the kitchen dates to 1789 and much of the rest to the 1800s. Open Tuesday–Saturday and by appointment. 113 W. Beechtree Lane, Wayne, (610) 688-2668, radnorhistory.org.
The Grange Estate
Located above Cobbs Creek, this historic 10-acre property embodies over 300 years of local history dating to 1682. Explore the carriage house, springhouses, barn and more. Pre-booked tours Saturday and Sunday April–October. Holiday tours November–January. 143 Myrtle Ave., Havertown, (610) 446-4958, thegrangeestate.net.
Gettysburg National Military Park
The bloodiest battle of the Civil War took place about two hours from our region. The Museum and Visitor Center should be your first stop, where you can grab a ticket for the orientation film and view the Cyclorama, the largest painting depicting Pickett’s Charge. With the Gettysburg National Cemetery and Eisenhower National Historic Site also on the premises, plan for around four to six hours to see everything. 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, (717) 334-1124, nps.gov.
Ford’s Theatre
The site of President Lincoln’s assassination, Ford’s is still a working theater. Check out Little Shop of Horrors March 15–18. You can also explore the site to learn more about Lincoln’s presidency, and make the trip across the street to tour the boarding house where he took his final breath. Ideal for a spring trip, a one-act play is mounted March 27–May 18. It’s told from the perspective of two men who were at the theater on the night of Lincoln’s death. 511 Tenth St. NW, Washington, D.C., (888) 616-0270, fords.org.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Head 13 miles south of Washington D.C., to tour the estate home of George and Martha Washington. In the museum, you’ll find George’s sword and Martha’s wedding dress, among other items the couple owned. Set aside time for the one-hour “Enslaved People of Mount Vernon” tour, then enjoy lunch or dinner at the Mount Vernon Inn restaurant. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, Virginia, (703) 780-2000, mountvernon.org.
Harriton House
Dating back to 1704, this stone home represents over 300 years of local history. Visit the grounds anytime. Pre-booked, guided house tours Wednesday–Saturday. 500 Harriton Road, Bryn Mawr, (610) 525-0201, harritonhouse.org.
Haverford Township Historical Society
Discover Haverford’s history at the Lawrence Cabin, Nitre Hall and Federal School, which date to the 1700s and 1800s. 1682 Karakung Drive, Havertown, (484) 452-3382, haverfordhistoricalsociety.org.
Henry Muhlenberg House
The former home of the Lutheran minister dates to about 1755 and is furnished to reflect life in 1787. 201 W. Main St., Trappe, (610) 489-7560, historictrappe.org.
The Highlands Mansion & Gardens
Dating to the late 1700s, the Georgian mansion and two-acre formal garden sit on 44 acres. Pre-booked tours Tuesday–Friday. 7001 Sheaff Lane, Fort Washington, (215) 641-2687, highlandshistorical.org.
Historical Society of Montgomery County
A research library, displays and events spotlight Montgomery County’s heritage. 1654 DeKalb St., Norristown, (610) 272-0297, hsmcpa.org.
Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area
The museum offers genealogy information, along with photographs, yearbooks, and over 300 pieces of Etruscan majolica and other artifacts. 204 Church St., Phoenixville, (610) 935-7646, hspa-pa.org.
Hope Lodge
Quaker Samuel Morris—a farmer, miller and iron master—started building the Georgian-style Hope Lodge in 1743. It was also a Revolutionary War encampment. 553 S. Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, (215) 646-1595, historichopelodge.org.
John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove
The expanded center boasts an 18,000-square-foot facility with the artistic works of John James Audubon. The property also has trails and kids’ exhibits. 1201 Pawlings Road, Audubon, (610) 666-5593, johnjames.audubon.org.
Lower Merion Historical Society
Housed in the over-200-year-old Academy building, Lower Merion’s first free school, the collections of the Lower Merion Historical Society include books, atlases, photographs, postcards, ephemera and more dating back 250 years. 506 Bryn Mawr Ave., Bala Cynwyd, (610) 664-3216, lowermerionhisotry.org.
Newlin Grist Mill Park
Home to a working grist mill built in 1704, this 160-acre park offers educational programs and a 2.9-mile walking loop. 219 Cheyney Road, Glen Mills, newlingristmill.org.
Okehocking Preserve
Centuries ago, William Penn handed over this hilly acreage to the Okehocking band of the Lenni Lenape Indians, making it the first Native American land grant in the colonies. 5316 W. Chester Pike, Newtown Square, willistown.pa.us.
Paper Mill House Museum
Get a look at an 1850s general store, alongside local history. Open Saturdays July–August. 2 Paper Mill Road, Newtown Square, (610) 975-0290, nshistory.org.
Pennsylvania Veterans Museum
The museum honors veterans through educational programs and exhibits. 12 E. State St., Media, (610) 566-0788, paveteransmuseum.org.
Pennypacker Mills
Gov. Samuel W. Pennypacker’s antiques collection is on display at this mansion, offering a glimpse into his political life—and life in general—in the early 1900s. 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, (610) 287-9349, montcopa.org.
Sanderson Museum
Christian Carmack Sanderson was born in 1882 and went on to become a prolific collector of American artifacts. More than 200 years’ worth can be seen at this museum, including sketches and paintings from the renowned Wyeth family. Open Saturdays and Sundays March–November; advanced reservations required. 1755 Creek Road, Chadds Ford, (610) 388-6545, sandersonmuseum.org.
Thomas Massey House
Thomas Massey came to the colonies as an indentured servant, eventually earning his freedom and becoming a landowner. His 1600s-era home is a testament to his perseverance. It’s also one of the oldest English Quaker homes in Pennsylvania. Open Sundays May–October. 469 Lawrence Road, Broomall, (610) 353-3644, thomasmasseyhouse.org.
Upper Darby Historical Society
The society works to preserve Upper Darby’s history, including Colleen Brook Farm, which is available for tours by appointment. Marvine and Mansion avenues, Drexel Hill, (610) 924-0222, udhistory.com.
For Du Pont Obsessives…
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Once the home of Henry Francis du Pont, this stunning mansion features the most significant collection of American decorative arts in the world. The estate’s world-class garden encompasses 1,000 acres of rolling hills, streams, meadows and forests. 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware, (800) 448-3883, winterthur.org.
Hagley Museum & Library
Located on 235 acres along the banks of the Brandywine River, Hagley is the site of the gunpowder works founded by Éleuthère Irénée du Pont in 1802. It includes restored mills, a workers’ community, and the ancestral home and gardens of the du Pont family. You can also explore a number of historical collections in a library devoted to the study of business and technology. 200 Hagley Creek Road, Wilmington, (302) 658-2400, hagley.org.
For Industrial History Buffs…
National Iron & Steel Heritage Museum
Coatesville had a long relationship with iron and steel thanks to the Lukens family. This museum celebrates that history through interpretative exhibits, educational programs and more. 50 S. 1st Ave., Coatesville, (610) 384-9282, steelmuseum.org.
For Revolutionary War Buffs…
Valley Forge National Historical Park & Washington’s Headquarters
The former site of the Continental Army’s 1777–78 winter encampment is now a history and nature lover’s paradise. You can also visit the house where Gen. Washington contemplated his options while encamped at Valley Forge. 1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, (610) 783-1000, nps.gov/vafo.
Brandywine Battlefield Park
The largest land battle during the Revolutionary War took place here, and the 50 acres now serve as a site for education and remembrance. Start your exploration with an 18-minute orientation film and stroll through the museum before visiting Washington’s headquarters and the Gideon Gilpin House. 1491 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, (610) 459-3342, brandywinebattlefield.org.
Paoli Battlefield Historical Park
This 20-acre park has a parade ground and a memorial to Continental Army soldiers killed in one of the bloodiest and most barbaric Revolutionary War battles. Monument and Wayne avenues, Malvern, pbpfinc.org.
For Art Lovers…
Wharton Esherick Museum
Renowned American artist Wharton Esherick’s 12-acre property features his home and workshop, where he worked in sculpture, furniture and other mediums. His unique studio is on the National Register of Historic Places. Pre-booked tours Tuesday–Sunday. 1520 Horseshoe Trail, Malvern, (610) 644-5822, whartonesherickmuseum.org.
Rose Valley Museum at Thunderbird Lodge
William Lightfoot Price created a historic artists’ haven in the tiny hamlet of Rose Valley. This museum celebrates Price’s colony and its unique architecture. Open weekends and by appointment. 41 Rose Valley Road, Rose Valley, (484) 444-2961, rosevalleymuseum.org.
For Sports Fans…
Sports Legends of Delaware County Museum
Located in the Radnor Township Municipal Building, the museum celebrates pro football player Emlen Tunnell and many other exceptional athletes from the region. Open Monday–Friday. 301 Iven Ave., Wayne, (610) 909-4919, delcosportsmuseum.org.
Related: These History Museums in the Philly Suburbs Explore the Past
